Table of Contents for Alachua County, Florida Milkweeds
Turn your Alachua County butterfly garden into a buffet for butterflies by getting rid of the chemicals and planting a nectar rich haven. A good plant to start with are milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), which do double duty as a host for the monarch, queen, and soldier butterflies in Florida and are a nectar source many other insects. These plants provide the caterpillars cardenolides, which make the adults taste bad to predators. Dive into the article to find out about the plant hardiness zones in Alachua County, and the planting requirements needed for milkweeds in the county.
There are twenty-two species of native or nearly native Alachua County, FL milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) that can be grown for butterflies and other insects. In Alachua County, milkweed is a host species for the Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies. These butterflies use the cardenolides found in the milky sap of milkweeds to give an unpleasant taste to predators. These plants are also an important nectar source to all insects visiting your pollinator garden. One species, showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), is not native to Florida, but is often planted in butterfly gardens. Another species, tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is adventive to the county, but it is harmful to monarchs and you do not want to plant it
Location of Alachua County, Florida
Alachua County, FL is located in northern Florida in the middle of the Peninsula. Gainesville is the major city in the county.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones in Alachua County, Florida
Gainesville and Alachua County, Florida are located in plant hardiness zone 9a. Generally when selecting plants you will want to get those that can handle temperatures as cold as +200F to be sure they will survive.
Butterflies in Alachua County, Florida that are Hosted by Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most iconic butterflies in North America and is a bellweather of changes in the environment. Having a distinctive orange color with black stripes, this butterfly has a wingspan of 3 in (7.6 cm) to 5 in (12.7 cm). The monarch butterfly ingests the toxic cardenolides of the milkweed plants, making it distasteful to predators. It can have several broods in a year and is known for its migrations to Mexico. However, some populations in the south, such as southern California, Arizona, and Florida do not migrate and breed year-round (Urguhart, et al 1968).
Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)
The queen butterfly is similar to the monarch butterfly but is more of a solid orange and has a brownish hue along the edges of the wings. When the wings are closed (the underside), it looks very similar and can be hard to tell apart. It is smaller than the Monarch having a wingspan of 2.5 in (6.4 cm) to 4 in (10.2 cm). Being similar in appearance, the queen butterfly is a mimic of the monarch, but like the monarch, it ingests the cardenolides of the milkweed plants. In the south the queen butterfly can breed year-round, but in the north, it breeds from April to November. This species unlike the monarch, does not migrate.
Soldier Butterfly (Danaus eresimus)
The soldier butterfly is known to reside nearby to Alachua County and has the potential to be present in the area. This butterfly, at least on the upperside, looks a lot like the queen butterfly. However, it has more of a reddish-brown color and has white spots only on the topside, versus both sides on the queen butterfly (Wikipedia). The soldier butterfly, like the queen butterfly, is smaller than the monarch, and roughly the size of the queen. The adult wingspan is 2.5 in (6.4 cm) to 3.5 in (8.9 cm). The flights of this butterfly are generally year-round, but it is seen most in the autumn and early winter.
List of Native or Nearly Native Alachua County, Florida Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
1. Clasping Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis), a Milkweed for Sandy Soils
Clasping Milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaulis): Clasping milkweed is centered on northern Florida and a couple of counties in the center (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, clasping milkweed grows in dry woodlands, prairies, meadows, and roadsides that have sandy or gravelly soil. Growing up to 3 feet tall, this milkweed has greenish-pink, red, brown, to purple flowers that bloom from March to September. This species is native to Alachua County and can be an excellent choice for most garden conditions. However, even though this plant is native to the area, it is at the upper range of its hardiness zone and may experience heat stress with increasing temperatures due to climate change.
This milkweed can transform your yard into a butterfly haven. A blunt-leaved milkweed, it is adapted to minimize water loss from sand reflection. This milkweed hosts the monarch butterfly and packs a punch in attracting other butterflies. Your patch of paradise can be turned into a meadow of flitting insects enjoying the delights of your planted buffet.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun to part-shade and moist to dry sandy soils. Seeds of clasping milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
2. Carolina Milkweed (Asclepias cinerea), a Milkweed for Sandy Soils
Carolina Milkweed (Ascelpias cinerea): Carolina milkweed is native to northern Florida and the panhandle and in Alachua County (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, Carolina milkweed grows in savannas, meadows, grasslands, pine barrens, and sandy ridges. Growing from 1 to 2.5 feet tall, this milkweed has white (Woodson 1954) to ashy-gray (Weakley 2022) flowers that bloom from May to August.
Carolina milkweed is a gray ghost in the sandhill kingdom of Florida. This milkweed is well-adapted to sandy soil and the ample sun by having thin leaves and a thin stem. Monarchs, other butterflies, and insects finding their way onto the sandhills and your garden will relish this plant.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 8-10 and requires full sun to part-shade and sandy soils. Because of its short stature, this plant would do well as a container plant if you do not have space for a garden. Just be sure to include sand in the soil mixture.
3. Large-flower Milkweed (Asclepias connivens), a Milkweed for Moist Soil
Large-flower Milkweed (Asclepias connivens): Large-flower milkweed is native in scattered locations throughout Florida including Alachua County (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, large-flower milkweed grows in pine barrens, flatwoods, bogs, marshes, and swamp margins. Growing from 0.5 to 3 feet tall, this milkweed has white to greenish-white (Woodson 1954) mixing with purple (Weakley 2022) flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers of this milkweed are very fragrant (Woodson 1954).
If you have a wetland and need a milkweed to provide for butterflies, this one is for you. It can handle the sun, while providing a nectar buffet to all comers, insect and bird. Transform your wet ground into a butterfly buffet and nectar source that will make other wetlands envious.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 8-11 and requires full sun and moist soils. Because of its short stature, this plant would do well as a container plant if you do not have space for a garden. Just be sure that the soil remains moist.
4. Curtiss’ Milkweed (Asclepias curtissii), a Milkweed for Well-Drained Soil
Curtiss’ Milkweed (Ascelpias curtissii): Curtiss’ milkweed is native and endemic to the state of Florida (Kartesz 2015). While not native to Alachua County, it is native just to the south and can exist in the plant hardiness zone. In the wild, curtiss’ milkweed grows in former wetlands, dry sandy scrub, pinelands (Woodson 1954), and places of disturbance. Growing from 2 to 4 feet tall, it has flowers that are pale gree, pink (Weakley 2022), greenish-white to white and bloom from April to August.
If you are looking for a medium sized milkweed to accent your garden, this milkweed may be for you. The green and white flower clusters provide textural appeal in gardens that have well-drained soil. Combined with milkweeds that are taller or shorter, it can make an excellent adddition to your garden.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 8-10 and requires full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
5. Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata), a Milkweed for Shade and Moist Soils
Poke Milkweed (Ascelpias exaltata): Poke milkweed is not native to Florida, but is present in northern Georgia (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, poke milkweed grows in moist woods, roadsides, and the edges of woods. Growing from 2 to 6 feet tall it is one of the taller milkweeds in Tennessee and has flowers that are white to green with accents of rose, purple, or blue. Blooming occurs from May to August.
Host the monarch butterfly and beckon other butterflies with this gentle giant of a milkweed that has fragrant lavender-tinged blooms and loves shade. Towering over other plants and joining other tall plants such as joe-pye-weed (Eutrochium spp.) and ironweed (Vernonia spp.), you can turn your shade garden into a nectar powerhouse.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires part-shade to full shade and moist soil. For shade gardens, this is a choice milkweed and is the reason this species is included in this list. However, make sure that this plant is well-shaded since it is adapted for cooler climates and may not make it in Alachua County. Seeds of poke milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
6. Florida Milkweed (Asclepias feayi), a Milkweed for Sandy Soils
Florida Milkweed (Ascelpias feayi): Florida milkweed is native and endemic to peninsular Florida (Kartesz 2015) and is native to counties adjacent to Alachua County. In the wild, Florida milkweed grows in sandy places such as sandhills, railroads (Woodson 1954), and pine flatwoods. Growing up to 2 feet tall, it is a short milkweed, and has flowers that are white and have hints of purple. Blooming occurs from April to July.
Though a small milkweed, this species creates a spectacle of star-like flowers in the summer. This plant can be a great addition to a layered garden and provide for monarchs and other insects alike. Be sure to plant it in well-drained sandy soil or in a pot with the same.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 9-10 and requires full sun in well-drained sandy soil.
7. Sandhill Milkweed (Asclepias humistrata), a Milkweed for Sandy Soil
Sandhill Milkweed (Asclepias humistrata): Sandhill milkweed is native to the panhandle and peninsular Florida except for southern Florida (Kartesz 2015) and is native in Alachua County. In the wild, sandhill milkweed grows, as the name suggests, on sandhills, but it is also found in dry oak woods, pine barrens, and roadsides. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, the flowers are white, pink, or purple and bloom from April to July.
Sandhill milkweed is distinguished by grayish-green leaves with pink veins, giving a different color to your garden. While providing color this plant is a nursery for caterpillars of the monarch and queen butterflies. This plant does not need much attention once established.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 8-9 and requires full sun and mesic to dry sandy soil. In a garden, it can handle some shade. Because of its small stature this milkweed may be suitable for planting in a pot and keeping on a patio. Since this species is at the upper limit of its plant hardiness zone, it may start to experience some heat stress with climate warming in the future. Seeds of sandhill milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
8. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), a Milkweed for Moist Soils
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Swamp milkweed has two subspecies, ssp. incarnata and ssp. pulchra. The former is not native in Florida and the latter is found in peninsular Florida (hardy in zones 4-9) including Alachua County. Like the name suggests this plant is found in wet places such as the shores of streams, lakes, ponds, and other wetlands. However, as a landscape plant it can exist in drier places. The flowers are variable and are generally a pink to red color, but there is also a white cultivar (pictured below).
This milkweed prefers wet soils, but it is not just for mud. In your garden this thin-stalked plant with a rosy-blush can accent your nectar buffet and provide sustenance for monarch butterflies in most soil conditions. This plant makes a nice contrast and splash of color when planted with yellow and white flowered plants.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, swamp milkweed is overall hardy in zones 4-9. However, in the horticultural trade you will likely get subsp. incarnata, which is hardy in zones 3-9. Either of the subspecies, even though one is native to the county, may have heat stress in the future because of climate warming. This milkweed requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Seeds of swamp milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
9. Few-flower Milkweed (Asclepias lanceolata), a Milkweed for Moist Soils
Few-flower Milkweed (Asclepias lanceolata): Few-flower milkweed is native throughout Florida including Alachua County (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, few-flower milkweed grows on the edges of marshes, wet pine barrens, savanna, and glades. Growing from 2 to 5 feet tall, it is a medium to tall milkweed and has flowers that are generally orange to red, but can vary to yellow or red-purple. The flowers bloom from May to August.
This orange flowered milkweed can produce a pollinator symphony in your Alachua County wet spot. The fluttering of orange and black butterflies can provide a vibrant contrast to the flowers this plant.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, few-flower milkweed is hardy in zones 5-11 and requires full sun to part-shade with soil that is loamy and moist to wet. This is likely one of the most heat resilient milkweeds you can plant in Alachua County.
10. Long-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias longifolia), a Milkweed for Moist Soils
Long-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias longifolia): Long-leaf milkweed has two varieties, var. hirtella and var. longifolia. Of these var. longifolia, is native generally to Florida and has a scattered distribution throughout (Kartesz 2015). It is native to Alachua County. In the wild, long-leaf milkweed grows in moist areas and wetlands such as bogs, swamps, flatwoods, and prairies having full sun. Growing from 1 to 2.5 feet tall, it has greenish-white flowers that bloom from April to July.
When planted with the few-flower milkweed above in a wetland this species can provide a color contrast to your garden. A diversity of milkweeds can give your monarchs variety and attract a number of different pollinators.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, long-leaf milkweed is hardy in zones 4-9 and requires full sun with moist to wet soils. Since this milkweed is at the upper limit of its hardiness zone, it may experience some heat stress due to climate warming. Because of its small stature it might be a good candidate for a container plant.
11. Michaux’s Milkweed (Asclepias michauxii), a Milkweed for Well-drained Soils
Michaux’s Milkweed (Asclepias michauxii): Michaux’s milkweed is native to the panhandle and northern peninusular Florida with a disjunct population in the south (Kartesz 2015). It is native to Alachua County. In the wild, Michaux’s milkweed grows in pine savannas, pine-oak woods, sandy pine barrens (Woodson 1954), and dry pinelands (Weakley 2022). Growing from 4 to 16 inches tall, it is one of the shortest milkweeds that can be grow in Alachua County. The flowers are greenish-white and have a purplish-tinge. They bloom from April to June.
A plant for sunny wetlands, this milkweed is one of the smallest that you can plant in Alachua County. This species is the perfect choice for any bare spot or as a container plant on your patio. If grown in a container be sure to keep the soil wet.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, Michaux’s milkweed is hardy in zones 7-11 and requires full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Its plant hardiness, make it a good long-term candidate to resilency in light of climate change warming.
12. Pineland Milkweed (Asclepias obovata), a Milkweed for Well-drained Soils
Pineland Milkweed (Asclepias obovata): Pineland milkweed is native to the panhandle of Florida (Kartesz 2015) but can grow in the plant hardiness zone of Alachua County. In the wild, pineland milkweed grows, as the name would suggest, on pinelands, but it can also be found on roadsides and fields. Growing from 0.5 to 3 feet tall, it is a short milkweed and has flowers that are greenish-yellow with purplish hoods. Blooming occurs from June to October.
The flowers of this milkweed are unassuming and blend in with the greens and yellows around it. However, while sustaining monarch caterpillars, the flowers give a lot of nectar to insects who find them.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, pineland milkweed is hardy in zones 7-10 and requires full sun with well-drained soils. The short-stature of this plant would make it suitable for planting in pots if you have a small space or no room for a garden. This plant may be climate resilent for awhile since it can exist at a higher plant hardiness zone than that in Alachua County.
13. Savannah Milkweed (Asclepias pedicellata), a Milkweed for Sandy Soil
Savannah Milkweed (Asclepias pedicellata): Savannah milkweed is native throughout Florida including Alachua County (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, savannah milkweed grows in long-leaf pine flatwoods and savannas that have a fire ecology. Growing from 0.5 to 1.5 feet tall, the flowers bloom from May to July and have a yellow, green to creamy white color.
Savannah milkweed appears like a grass with yellowish flowers and blends in with it surroundings. It is a delicate plant but stands strong against competition and the face of fire.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, savannah milkweed is hardy in zones 7-10 and requires full sun and mesic to moist sandy soil. Similar to some of the other smaller milkweeds, the short-stature makes this a plant a candidate for container gardens. It is also a good choice for climate resiliency since it can grow a zone higher in plant hardiness.
14. Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis), a Milkweed for Moist Soils
Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis): Aquatic milkweed is native to most of Florida, including Alachua County, except for south Florida (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, aquatic milkweed grows on the margins of wetlands such as swamps, alluvial woods,ditches, and marshes. Growing from 1 to 2.5 feet tall, this species has white to pink, purplish-rose or purple flowers that bloom from April to October.
If you have a wetland or a garden with moist soil in Alachua County, this is a plant to consider to provide for monarchs and other insects. Its small size makes it a candidate for a container plant.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, aquatic milkweed is hardy in zones 6-10 and requires full sun to partial shade with moist soils.
15. Red Milkweed (Asclepias rubra), a Milkweed for Moist to Wet Soils
Red Milkweed (Asclepias rubra): Red milkweed is native the western panhandle of Florida (Kartesz 2015). While not native to Alachua County, it can handle the plant hardiness zone of the county. In the wild, red milkweed grows in wet open areas such as meadows, bogs, and pine barrens. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, the flowers range from pink, purple, red, to lavender in color and bloom from May to August.
Another wetland milkweed, this species is can grow in a variety of light situations and can be a focal point in your garden.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 6-9 and requires full sun or part-shade and wet organic soil.
16. Velvetleaf Milkweed (Asclepias tomentosa), a Milkweed for Sandy Soils
Velvetleaf Milkweed (Asclepias tomentosa): Velvetleaf milkweed is native to scattered counties in the panhandle and peninsular Florida (Kartesz 2015). It is native in a county adjacent to Alachua County. In the wild, velvetleaf milkweed grows in sandy pine woodlands with long-leaf pine (Pinus palustris) and scrub-oak sandhills. Growing from 2 to 3 feet tall, it has flowers ranging from yellow-cream with pink to maroon tints that bloom from April to August.
If you want to add some texture to your garden and have dry sandy soils, this plant is for you. The names comes from the velvety leaves, which sustenance for monarch butterflies.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 7-10 and prefers places where it can enjoy full sun and mesic to dry sandy soils. This milkweed may be a good climate change choice given that it is not at the upper limit of the plant hardiness zone. Seeds of velvetleaf milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
17. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), a Milkweed for Medium to Dry Soils
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa): Showy milkweed is native to the western United States (Kartesz 2015), but is widely planted in butterfly gardens elsewhere. While not native to Florida or Alachua County it can handle the plant hardiness zone, at least currently. In the wild, showy milkweed grows in open areas with full sun such as roadsides, pastures, and fields. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, this plant has flowers that are purple, pink to white and bloom from May to June.
Imagine the soft brushstrokes of of pink and purple having star-shaped blooms acting as a beacon for weary monarchs and playground for bees. Transform your sunny location into a scent filled extravagnaza and while watching your guests delight in the sun kissed nectar.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, showy milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun with medium to dry well-drained soil. Since this species is at the upper limit of its hardiness zone, it may experience heat stress in the future. Seeds of showy milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
18. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), a Milkweed for all Soils
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Butterfly weed is one of the most common for butterfly gardeners on the east coast of the United States. In Tennessee, subspecies interior and tuberosa are both native and both have a scattered distribution. In Alachua County, subsp. rolfsii is native, while subsp. interior is native and rare to the northeast and subsp. tuberosa is also located to the northeast. In the wild, butterfly weed grows in open areas with full sun such as fields, roadsides, and open woods. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, it has characteristically orange flowers that bloom throughout the summer and sometimes into the autumn.
If you need a hint of orange in a sea of white and pink milkweeds, this plant is for you. This orange milkweed is one of the few of this color and sustains the monarch butterfly is a valuable nectar for other insects. Imagine a fluttering calcophony of yellow, black, and orange on orange flowers. If you have a sunny garden or want to grow a milkweed in a container this plant is for you.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy from zones 3-9 and requires full sun in any type of soil condition. This is one of two milkweeds in North America that does not have milky sap. In the future this species may experience heat stress, since it is at the limit of its hardiness range. Seeds of butterfly weed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
19. Red-ring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata), a Milkweed for Dry Sandy Soils
Red-Ring Milkweed (Asclepias variegata): Red-ring milkweed is native in the panhandle and northern Florida (Kartesz 2015). While not native in Alachua County it is native nearby. In the wild, red-ring milkweed grows in open disturbed areas such as thickets and roadsides. Growing from 1 to 4 feet tall, it has white colored flowers with a ring of purple to red at the base. The flowers bloom from May to July.
This milkweed lives in places where there is filtered light. The small balls of white can provide a textural contrast to the pinks of other milkweeds in your garden. In addition, like the butterfly weed, this plant is small and can be grown in a container for those with small gardens or patios.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and prefers part-sun to light-shade and dry sandy or rocky soils. In the future it may experience heat stress, being at the upper limit of its hardiness zone. Seeds of red-ring milkweed can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
20. Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), a Milkweed for Medium to Dry Soil
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata): Whorled milkweed is generally native throughout Florida (Kartesz 2015) and native to Alachua County. In the wild, whorled milkweed grows in open areas such as meadows and fields, where it can take advantage of full sun. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, it has green to white flowers that bloom from May to September.
Another species providing textural appeal is the whorled milkweed. Another small milkweed, it provides nourishment for monarch caterpillars and nectar for other butterflies and bees. The overall look of the plant blends in with the swaying grasses in your garden.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun to part-shade with medium to dry soil. Seeds of whorled milkweed can be purchased at the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
21. Green Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora), a Milkweed for Medium to Dry Sandy Soils
Green Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora): Green comet milkweed is native and rare in two counties of the Florida panhandle (Kartesz 2015). In the wild, green comet milkweed grows in open areas such as meadows and field where there is full sun. Growing up to 3 feet tall, the flowers, which bloom from June to August, begin as a green color but age to become yellow with a purple tinge.
This milkweed can add another color to your garden tapestry. The green flower color helps them to blend in with the leaves saving them from herbivores that would eat them. If you need a medium sized milkweed that can handle a variety of habitats, this milkweed is for you.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 3-9 and requires full sun to part-shade with medium to dry sandy soil. Seeds of green comet milkweed can be purchased at the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
22. Green Antelope-Horn Milkweed (Asclepias viridis), a Milkweed for Medium to Dry High pH Soils
Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis): Green milkweed is native in very scattered locations through Florida (Kartesz 2015) and is native just southwest of Alachua County. In the wild, green milkweed grows in open areas such as meadows and field where there is full sun. Growing up to 3 feet tall, the flowers, which bloom from June to August, begin as a green color but age to become yellow with a purple tinge.
If you need a plant that can nourish monarch butterflies, is a great nectar source and is green this may be the plant for you. Be sure you provide a high pH environment and have plenty of sun.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 5-9 and requires full sun with medium to dry soils having a high pH. Seeds of green milkweed can be purchased at the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
23. Southern Milkweed (Asclepias viridula), a Milkweed for Wet to Moist Soils
Southern Milkweed (Asclepias viridula): Southern milkweed is native and rare in the panhandle and northeastern Florida (Kartesz 2015). It is not native to Alachua County, but it can grow in the hardiness zone. In the wild, southern milkweed grows in wetlands such as flatwoods, seepages, prairies, and bogs. Growing up to 2 feet tall, the flowers, which are green to white with a maroon tint, and bloom from April to July.
In your Alachua County butterfly garden, this milkweed is hardy in zones 8-9 and requires full sun with moist soils. It is unknown if this species is in cultivation.
X. Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), a Milkweed you do not want to plant
Tropical milkweed is adventive to Alachua County in Florida (Kartesz 2015) and is a milkweed you do not want to plant. Even though this is a milkweed and is an attractive plant, it is actually harmful to monarch butterflies.
When selecting plants for your Alachua County butterfly garden, make sure they grow in your zone and habitat.
Books where you can find out more about Monarchs and Butterfly Gardening in Alachua County, FL
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2023. Your Florida Guide to Butterfly Gardening – A Guide for the Deep South. University Press of Florida. 245 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2021. Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies. Southeast – Nature Friendly Gardens. Adventure Publications. 276 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2021. Garden Bugs & Insects of the South & Southeast – Identify Pollinators, Pests, and other Garden Visitors – Adventure Quick Guides. Adventure Publications. 36 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2021. Butterflies of the South & Southeast – Your Way to Easily Identify Butterflies – Adventure Quick Guides. Adventure Publications. 22 pp.
- Daniels, Jaret C. 2003. Butterflies of Florida Field Guide – Butterfly Identification Guides. Adventure Publications. 256 pp.
- Haehle, Robert G. and Joan Brookwell. 2004. Native Florida Plants – Low-Maintenance Landscaping and Gardening. Taylor Trade Publishing. 400 pp.
- Heugel, Craig. 2015. Native Florida Plants for Shady Landscapes. University Press of Florida. 287 pp.
- Heugel, Craig. 1991. Butterfly Gardening with Florida’s Native Plants. Great Outdoors Publishing Company. 35 pp.
- Laplante, Sharon R. 2018. Central Florida Butterflies and Their Host Plants – A Complete List of Native Host Plants. Amazon Digital Services, LLC. 120 pp.
- Lowery, Paul and Betty Lowery. 2022. The Miracle of a Butterfly. Dorrance Publishing Company. 36 pp.
- Matrazzo, Stacey. 2020. Native Plants for Florida Gardens. Pineapple Press. 232 pp.
- Mellichamp, Larry, Paula Gross, and Will Stuart. 2020. The Southeast Native Plant Primer – 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden. Little and Brown. 256 pp.
- Stibolt, Ginny and Marjorie Shropshire. 2018. A Step-by-Step Guide to a Florida Native Yard. University of Press of Florida. 121 pp.
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References
- Kartesz, J.T. The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2015. Taxonomic Data Center. Link to website. Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2015. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)]
- Urguhart, Frederick Albert, Norah Roden Urguhart, and Francis Munger. 1968. Population of Danaus plexippus in Southern California. Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 7(4): 169-181.
- Weakley, A.S. and Southeastern Flora Team 2022. Flora of the southeastern United States. University of North Carolina Herbarium, North Carolina Botanical Garden.
- Woodson, Robert E. 1954. The North American Species of Asclepias L. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 41: 1-211.
